The 219th batch consisting of 50 farmers have successfully graduated from the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) this October 26, 2020 at the Municipal Covered Court, Lomon, Paykek, Kapangan, Benguet.
For six weeks, the farmers were taught effective backyard planting and small-scale farming techniques for fruits and vegetables to help improve and increase their harvest as well as provide organic food for their families. SMFI also assist farmers who form cooperatives by linking them to local markets and SM suppliers for a more stable source of income.
For the 219th batch of KSK-SAP farmers, SMFI joined with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-CAR), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Information Agency, St. Isidore The Farmer Learning Center Inc., and provincial government of Benguet and Kapangan municipal government.
KSK-SAP is for agriculture sustainability and food security, and it aims to aid in creation of opportunities, skills or education enhancement, livelihood and employment to enhance and empower underprivileged farmers.
Through a video message presented during the graduation ceremony, SM Foundation AVP for Outreach Programs Cristie Angeles congratulated the Kapangan farmers for completing the KSK-SAP program successfully and announced that the farmers are also equipped to be trainers with their SMFI KSK-SAP graduation certificate and TESDA National Certificate. “This graduation ceremony is not the end of our communication and connection with each other. We promise to continue raising up our farmers. We will adjust to the new normal and together we will prevail.” Angeles added.
Kapangan Mayor Hon. Manny Fermin also congratulates the graduates of the KSK-SAP and expressed his gratitude to the SM Foundation Inc., local governments, and other stakeholders who helped their farmers gain better opportunities.
“We congratulate the graduates for completing their 6-week program. We thank the national government, local governments, SM Foundation, and the private sectors in nurturing and monitoring the progress of our farmers. The market opportunity of SM has given a great advantage for the farmers to extend their network and to ensure good production during this pandemic.” said during a speech written by DA-CAR Regional Director Cameron P. Odsey and delivered through DA-CAR Agricultural Production Coordinating Officer Gabriel Pacio.
The KSK-SAP is part of the SM Foundation Inc. which has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need.
The foundation serves as the core belief of SM Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility, established by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, while anchoring on the principle “People Helping People”.
The foundation is committed to giving back to the community by supporting and empowering host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs. By Jessica Joy Fernando
